Late (LATE) start. Galileo’s Sun is up. I look up and bask in its warmth. I start my run into a cold headwind. Fingertips tingling. My eyes, fill with water. Like mist on cold air over warm waters. This will clear.
Run by the corner of Noroton and Post Roads. Church Corner. Ascension Episcopal. Noroton Presbyterian. Christ Scientist. Churchgoers are filing in. Man cradling baby in a papoose. Families striding briskly, holding hands with their children. Lady holding kerchief in place from wind gusts. Elderly couple shifts right to let me pass. Community. Peace be with you too.
I usually run too early to see churchgoers. Not today. Guilt washes over me. Eric joined his friends in attending a eulogy yesterday. “Weird,” he described it. “Awkward not having been to church in years.” He lights my fuse using less than 10 words. Jung scolds: “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” Then Robert Fulghum piles on: “Don’t worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.” How quickly this has escalated. Yes, “my” Son – – he’s been watching. And now I’m irritated, here on Galileo’s beautiful Sunday. NO, gentlemen. Not today. You won’t get under my skin today. No sir.
A mile beyond God’s corner, I turn down Seaside Avenue. Sun is lighting up high tide on the Long Island Sound. Water is glistening and lapping the top of break wall. (Inuits’ whispering in the wind: Glorious to see. I think over again my small adventures, my fears. Those small ones that seemed so big — for all of the vital things I had to get and to reach and yet there is only one great thing, to live and see the great day that dawns and the light that fills the world.” )
I pass a Snow Goose. Magnificent. Bright milk-white feathers. Carrot-colored orange beak preening its tail feathers. She turns her head in curiosity as if to say, “it’s all good.”
I pass Canada Geese. Mother. Father. And four little ones drafting behind. I pass Seagulls having breakfast – dropping clams from the air. I pass a retriever bounding after a Frisbee. I pass a fisherman in the midst of a long cast. I pass a child teetering on his new bike with his Dad scrambling to keep up. I pass a Robin digging through the grass in search of grubs.
(Navajos’ chanting now: “In beauty may I walk. All day long may I walk. Through the returning seasons may I walk. On the trail marked with pollen may I walk. With grasshoppers about my feet may I walk. With dew about my feet may I walk. With beauty may I walk. With beauty before me, may I walk. With beauty behind me, may I walk. With beauty all around me, may I walk. In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, lively, may I walk. In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, living again, may I walk. It is finished in beauty. It is finished in beauty.”)
Time Check: 6.25 miles @ 59.52. Galileo, all you today Brother. All you.
Nap Time.
- Related Posts: The Running Series.
- Inuit & Navajo Quote Sources: Thank you In Blue @ makebelieveboutique.com for your inspirations.
- Image Source: Snow Goose @ Pixie Dust Healing.
Live & Learn 
You write so beautifully, David, you really do. And the way you weave other source material in–masterful. Have I mentioned that I’m first in line for a (signed) copy of your memoir? 🙂
LikeLike
You are too kind Lori. There are no plans for memoirs. But if there are, you get free and signed memoir. Don’t hold your breath waiting pal.
LikeLike
Next to the word “awareness” in the dictionary…I’m sure there must be the letters “DK.” 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks Carol!
LikeLike
so good David, love this 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you so much…
LikeLike
Do you take a little writer’s notebook with you or do you sit down later to ponder all you saw. If it’s the latter you’re enjoying your run twice without the muscle pain the second time.
LikeLike
It the latter option. Yes, it is more enjoyable replaying it on the couch. 🙂
LikeLike
Nap time indeed. Well deserved, sir. Respect. You were teasing me. And then maybe a little chocolate chip cookie with a salt crust with a hint of blueberries and a toasted popcorn fondant centre as a reward?
LikeLike
Laughing. I’m just getting started. Since I ran 1.25 miles more than I intended, there’s extra treats! My mouth is watering reading your description. I need to find something close. 🙂
LikeLike
Nice post. Saw the run with you.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Very powerful. Love the Navajo chant.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Love the quotes by Jung & Fulghum.
LikeLike
Yes, both very powerful.
LikeLike
I’m reblogging this – there is nothing that touches me more than reading your thoughts during your weekend runs. You are an amazing writer David – I love your words, your rhythm, your process…Sondheim’s “Children Will Listen” – I think yours had a terrific parent to hear..
LikeLike
Thank you Mimi. Thank you. I’ve never had the pleasure of hearing the song or the lyrics of “Children will Listen” until your comment. Wonderful. I’m sharing the links to the lyrics and youtube video below:
Lyrics: (http://www.allthelyrics.com/lyrics/sondheim_stephen/children_will_listen-lyrics-1242795.html). Wonderful.
Youtube music video: http://youtu.be/hiTaDJ9E1I0
LikeLike
Stephen Sondheim at his best..
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Waiting for the Karma Truck and commented:
You all know I am a fan, and though I’ve offered many reasons why – here’s another. Happy Monday all
LikeLike
Thank you again Mimi.
LikeLike
I think the thank you’s are supposed to be mine – thank you!
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
What jumped out at me was the aspect of guilt washing over you as your mind drifted while you jogged. What is it about our relationships and interactions that make us feel guilty? What could we do to severe our attachment to this dis-empowering thought?
Loved the post.
Shakti
LikeLike
Thank you Shakti. If you have an answer or even the path to one, I’m all ears. 🙂
LikeLike
I had no idea there was such an animal. Beautiful!
LikeLike
It is beautiful!
LikeLike
David, I’m a bit behind in reading this post; I save yours for when I can savor them completely. This one didn’t disappoint–your writing is beautiful, descriptive, melodic; I feel like I was the one running, your words in cadence with the steps. I’ve come to really look forward to your posts. Thank you for sharing your gift with me.
LikeLike
Thank you Carolann. This means a lot to me. I appreciate your feedback and followership. Dave
LikeLike